Morgan & Nick


Bride and groom sit on a desert cliff during their sunset Moab elopement

When it came to planning their Moab elopement, Nick and Morgan had one main priority – a secluded elopement experience. After a bit of careful planning, we landed on a few stunning locations in Moab that would give them both stunning views and the privacy they wanted. Keep scrolling to learn how we came to choose the locations for their elopement in Moab, plus a few of our tips when it comes to getting the most privacy for your elopement in nature.

The Couple and Their Decision to Plan a Secluded Elopement in Moab

When I (Henry) first connected with Nick and Morgan, I learned that the couple had a spreadsheet of potential locations and photographers. Being chosen for their day and getting the chance to help these two create their Moab elopement vision not only made me so excited but was also a true honor.

When they reached out to me, Nick and Morgan had some potential places in mind for where they wanted to elope. Overall though, they wanted something they referred to as a “nature-gasm” (a term I am 1000% stealing). We talked about some of the amazing places to elope in Washington and about potentially doing a helicopter elopement in Alaska.

However, we ultimately decided on an elopement in Utah as Nick had visited this area before and really wanted to show Morgan how beautiful it was.

Once we decided on the location, we started talking about timing. I suggested springtime so they could experience the most optimal weather. Even though the spring months can be quite busy in Utah, these are some of the best months to experience the beauty of this area.

Our first plan was to do their elopement in Zion but after hearing their wishes, I knew that privacy was something they valued the most. Although Zion National Park is stunning, it is hard to find a location with breathtaking canyon views while still having privacy. I suggested Moab as this area has not just one but TWO national parks as well as lots of amazing BLM land to explore. Between these locations, I assured them that we would have plenty of places to explore without being surrounded by tourists and crowds.

From a Private Ceremony on BLM Land to Off-Roading at Sunset, This Is How Nick & Morgan Plan Their Secluded Moab Utah Elopement

The morning of Nick and Morgan’s Moab Utah elopement we started the day at their cabin. After the couple shared their first look, we headed to their ceremony location on Moab BLM land. Not only were the views incredible, but it was also so special to witness such amazing landscapes without crowds.

From their Moab elopement ceremony location, we made our way to Arches National Park. After all, we had already made it all the way here, so we couldn’t skip over this amazing national park! We made a stop at Sand Dune Arch which happens to be one of my all-time favorite locations within the park. 

After feeling like Indiana Jones among these giant red rocks and slot canyons, we went back into Moab BLM land for an off-roading elopement adventure. We found a secluded cliff where Morgan and Nick could exchange private vows.

However, when we arrived, it started raining. The sky was covered in thick clouds hiding all of the surrounding views. We waited in the car and listened to the raindrops hit the roof above us. Within minutes, the sky cleared. I remember how excited Nick and Morgan both were and the look on their faces as they looked at the view and then looked back at me. Getting to witness these beautiful places is amazing, but getting to witness them with our couples on their wedding day is one of the biggest joys as adventure elopement photographers! 

As Nick and Morgan exchanged their private vows overlooking the canyon, the sky went from stormy to being illuminated by the last light of the day. We popped the champagne and danced in the dark, none of us wanting the day to end.

GIF Video From This Magical Elopement in Moab

Click HERE to learn more about GIF Videos and how we can create this unique animation videography for your elopement

Henry’s Tips for Planning a Secluded Moab Elopement:

If you are planning an elopement in Moab, or any other popular nature location for that matter, here are a few things to consider to make your elopement experience more private or secluded.

Elope on a Weekday

One thing we’ve noticed about elopements in nature, especially a beautiful one that is so easy to access, is that these areas are more crowded on weekends. We want you to enjoy your elopement and be fully present, not be distracted by the amount of tourist randomly walking by. This is why we always encourage our couples to elope on a weekday whenever possible.

Look For a Location Outside the Park

Places like Moab or U.S. National Parks are beautiful, but that also means they attract a lot of tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider finding an elopement location just outside the park. These locations and trails are often not as well known, but provide some of the same incredible views as inside the park. For example, Morgan and Nick held their Moab Utah elopement on BLM land rather than inside the Moab national and state parks.

When it comes to finding the best location for your elopement in Moab, or anywhere else for that matter, we are here to help. Part of our job as your elopement photographer is helping you find the best location to match your vibes and vision.

He thought of everything for us – all the little details – as we planned and on the day of our elopement

Henry was – seriously – the best thing about our wedding besides my choice of spouse. I recall looking at some other elopement photographers when we decided to take on this adventure and BOY am I glad I didn’t make the mistake of choosing anyone else.

He has, through the entire process, been a consummate professional and endlessly kind human being. While I could probably write a long article describing the experience and all of the value he brought, I’ll try to focus on some highlights: – He was always clear and responsive in his communication back to me, but also proactive in communicating things at many points. – He built rapport and connection with us in a way that felt very genuine. – He was flexible with us as we changed our mind about things – dates, locations, timelines, etc. and made us feel like this was really about us. – He thought of everything for us – all the little details – as we planned and on the day of our elopement. – We fell even more in love with him when he shared more about his journey to this place in his life and career – such an inspiring story! – Last but absolutely not least, his work – photos, GIFs, and GIF video of our vows were absolutely flawless and have been shared with friends of friends just because of how breathtaking they are. Today we received a thank you card, polaroid, and framed image from our day together and it served as yet another example of how Henry Tieu is the absolute best of the best at what he does. Whether you’re learning from him or working with him, I can promise you Henry will leave a positive impact on your life, as he has ours. WE LOVE YOU, HENRY!
Morgan & Nick
Elopement in Moab, Utah

Meet the couple & the best Moab Elopement Photographer everrrr!!! 🙂😘

Bride and groom stand on a desert cliff with their Moab elopement photographer

Meet The Best Moab Utah Elopement Vendors:

Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography

Florist: Hope and Evolution

Hair & Makeup Artist: That Beauty Bxtch

Suit: Hive & Colony

Officiant: Wilde Heart Weddings

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